Busy Londoners can now access more convenient care, with half of the capital’s Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) extending their opening times to 12 hours a day, seven days a week. 

This week the NHS marks a significant milestone, as 100 CDCs across the country now offer out of hour services. Delivering more convenient care out of hours is a key mission in the Government’s Plan for Change, transforming healthcare and making the NHS fit for the future. 

Nearly two million tests have been carried out in London over the last four years, a figure that is set to grow as more CDCs offer out-of-hour services to fit around Londoners’ busy working lives. Since July 2024, 7.2 million CDC tests and scans have been delivered nationwide. 

There are currently 14 CDCs across London, and half of these now offer 12/7 care. Three new London CDCs are set to open by the end of 2025, at Mile End, New Addington and Queen Mary’s Sidcup. 

Dr Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “The growing number of CDCs in London is transforming the care people receive, providing quicker and more convenient access, as well as reducing pressure on our busy hospitals.” 

From X-rays and blood tests, to innovative teledermatology and cardiac testing, Eltham CDC offers a range of diagnostic services to South East London residents. 

Ben Travis, Chief Executive Officer at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, said: “Since opening Eltham CDC in May, we have seen close to 25,000 patients across eight different services. It has greatly improved our diagnostic capacity and allowed us to see patients closer to home, which supports access and an excellent patient experience. 

“We are really proud of the results so far – which are being further boosted with capacity at our second CDC at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup which is now offering some patient services ahead of the launch later this year.” 

Londoners can be referred to CDCs via their GP or hospital-based clinical teams. The NHS is making it easier for GPs to refer directly to CDCs via schemes like GP Direct Access, so patients can have their diagnostic test ahead of meeting their consultant. This reduces the number of outpatient appointments they need to attend. 

Since last year, Ealing CDC has provided an impressive total of 55,000 appointments to West London communities. 

Meerani Patel, patient at Ealing CDC, said: “I got an MRI appointment within three weeks of being referred and was in and out of the CDC within an hour on the day. It was a really quick efficient service and being seen so soon was reassuring.”  

London CDCs are based at the heart of communities, operating from convenient settings like shopping centres and local hospitals, so patients can fit their care into their daily routines. Many centres also offer free parking to make care as accessible as possible. 

David Tao, Clinical Services Manager at Wembley Community Diagnostic Centre, said: “I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved in the 18 months since we opened, bringing care closer to people’s homes. 

“With a seven-day service and convenient opening hours, we first estimated that we’d be able to offer over 30,000 tests a year. But we’re now expecting to do an extra 10,000 test this year. This is thanks to our brilliant team who have come up innovative ideas, like extending our opening hours further and utilising cutting-edge remote scanning technology to make it even easier for people to attend their appointments alongside their other commitments. 

“Community diagnostic centres are all about doing things differently, so we can bring down waiting times and tackle health inequalities for our local community.” 

The recently launched Plan for Change sets out how the government is helping to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future.  

The plan is backed by nearly £26 billion healthcare investment over two years—with over £600 million capital funding committed for 2025/26 to transform diagnostic services amidst growing demands. This includes funding up to 5 additional CDCs in 2025/26, as committed to in the Elective Reform Plan, alongside expanding a number of existing CDCs.  

For more information on where your local community diagnostic centre is, visit: Delivering reduced waiting times – GOV.UK.